Cal U football player one of two arrested in assaults

A California University of Pennsylvania football player was one of two men arrested by California police in separate assaults late Friday and early Saturday in the borough.

Claudy Mathieu, 20, of Philadelphia, was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment for an incident about 12:40 a.m. Saturday outside the Subway, 352 Third St. He is listed on the team’s roster as a redshirt freshman and defensive lineman.

Devante L. Brooks, 21, of 23 Circle Road, Daisytown, was charged with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct stemming from an incident about 11 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of Kwik Fill, Third and Wood streets.

California police found a large crowd on both sides of the sidewalk yelling back and forth outside the Subway. Mathieu was seen running across the street and punching Mashkhal K. Ibriham, knocking him to the ground. Police said Mathieu continued to punch Ibriham in the face and chest until the two were separated by police. Ibriham suffered a large laceration on his head, police said.

Mathieu has been suspended indefinitely from the football team while the incident is investigated, according to Christine Kindl, spokeswoman for the university.

“All Cal U. students, including student athletes, are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct, which applies whether they are on or off campus,” explained Kindle in a statement. “This incident will be addressed not only by the team, but also through the university’s discipline process.”

Brooks is accused of assaulting Ashley Fiorino, police said. Fiorino told police that Brooks had been insulting her. When she confronted him about his remarks, Brooks reportedly spit in her face. He then allegedly pushed Fiorino away and punched her in the nose, causing it to bleed.

Both men were arraigned on the charges before District Judge Joshua Kanalis and each placed in Washington County jail on $30,000 bond. Preliminary hearings for the two men are set for Sept. 9 before Kanalis.

Kathie Warco

Staff Writer

Kathie O. Warco has covered the police beat and transportation for the Observer-Reporter for more than 25 years. She graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in journalism.